Soap Mold Releasing Tip:

Because opaque cold-process soap undergoes a chemical reaction in the molds, there are a few extra considerations to keep in mind. (Note: these considerations don't apply to transparent soap since it's neutral when poured. Transparents also lack "stickiness," so there shouldn't be any problem unmolding them.)

Soap needs a certain amount of heat to saponify properly. Most cold-process soap books call for pour temperatures of 80-100 degrees F. These temperatures are fine if you're pouring several pounds into one large mold, but when soap is poured into individual 3 or 4 ounce molds, heat is more easily lost regardless of how much insulation you use. If you've measured your ingredients correctly but your finished soap is soft and/or grainy, raise the soap's temperature to between 115-125 degrees F. next time you pour.

When filling many cavities, realistically consider just how much working time you have before your soap begins to thicken beyond the "easy-pour" state. Dividing soap up into smaller portions for different colors and fragrances will slow you down; some artificial fragrances will speed the thickening. If this is the case, think about making smaller batches. If your soap does thicken before all the cavities are filled, spoon the soap in and tap the molds lightly on the counter top. The clear plastic will allow you to see if any air bubbles remain on the mold's detail surface.

Superfatted soap and/or soap high in soft oils such as canola, avacado, safflower, etc. are a bit sticky, and therefore may unmold with more difficulty than firmer soaps high in palm oil or tallow. These softer soaps will unmold if placed in the freezer for ½-1 hour. For a firm, easy-release soap with a good lather try:

22 ounces palm oil or tallow

3 ounces coconut oil

2 ounces olive, canola or any other soft oil

4 ounces sodium hydroxide

8 1/2 ounces water

Heat oils to 115-125 degrees F. then add 115-125 degree lye solution. Stir until traced. If temperature has dropped much below 115-125 prior to pouring, reheat on stove top. Makes 2 ½ pounds, or enough soap to fill approximately 9-10 cavities. PS- Mold designs also show up clearer and "crisper" in hard soap than in soft soap.

MORE ON UNMOLDING SOAP If the soap is allowed to remain in the molds for 12-24 hours after cooling down, it releases much more easily than unmolding it immediately upon cooling. (During this extra time the soap is both shrinking and crystallizing.) One final option: If you'd like to experiment with a fairly effective mold release, melt one part paraffin wax then stir into 3 parts mineral or baby 0il. Best used when hot and liquid, but if applied to the molds when cold (as a soft paste) use a stiff brush to insure thin and even application, otherwise inconsistencies can mar the smoothness of the finished soap. Plain mineral or baby oil can also be used to lightly coat the molds (vegetable oils or PAM may possibly saponify if used as a mold release).